MOBILE, Alabama -- Toxic chemicals released from pulp mills, stainless steel plants and paperboard factories in southwest Alabama pose potential harm to the area's waterways, according to a report released by an environmental advocacy group.

The Washington, D.C.-based Environment America Research and Policy Center conducted the research, using a year's worth of data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Their findings zeroed-in on some of the companies strewn across the state who are polluting waters.

Alabama had the fourth largest amount of waste released among all 50 states, with 12.3 million pounds of toxic chemicals set free into its waterways. The state was also in the top 24 percent of those with the most cancer-causing chemicals and products that may lead to reproductive and developmental health issues, according to the research.

Local environmental groups say a generous portion of the waste from manufacturers upstream ultimately pools into Mobile Bay, a reason that many should be concerned.

It's the fourth largest watershed by volume in the United States, said Casi Callaway, executive director of Mobile Baykeeper. "It's a big watershed that drains a lot of areas and that also screams that it must be protected."

In the southwest region of the state, 12,179 pounds of cancer-causing chemicals were released into the Mobile-Tensaw River. Another 15,181 pounds were dumped into the lower part of the Alabama River; and the lower Conecuh River received 8,145-pounds.

Researchers point out that some of the companies behind the highest volume of discharges were ThyssenKrupp's steel and stainless steel facilities in Calvert; Georgia-Pacific's pulp and paperboard mills in Perdue Hill and Brewton; and the Huxford Pole and Timber Company in Escambia County, Alabama.

A company spokesperson for Outokumpu Stainless USA, which purchased a majority share of ThyssenKrupp's stainless unit in 2012 said they 'remain in full compliance with all state and federal requirements."

The Clean Water Act calls for companies to report their discharges of certain chemicals; and Alabama Department of Environmental Management issues permits to facilities with limits on how much can be released.

Any harm done to the environment "depends on whether they are violating their permit," Callaway said, adding that "the only change maker is ADEM."

John Rumpler, who develops policy and strategy for Environment America, said their ultimate goal is to restore the Clean Water Act after come provisions were chipped away in the U.S. Supreme Court.

"We hope that information leads to action," Rumpler said. The Environmental Protection Agency is currently rewriting new rules with a public comment period until October 20. "The immediate opportunity that we see right now is that we have got to ensure that every river and stream in Alabama is protected under the Clean Water Act."